Gloss versus sheen finishes: Do you know the difference?

The paint terms “gloss” and “sheen” sound similar, but, as AIA partner Sherwin-Williams explains, it’s crucial to understand how their different properties affect the design of a room.

What’s the difference between paint gloss and sheen? While it can be difficult to differentiate between the two, both strongly impact how a color or finish looks, so it’s important to have a solid understanding of their differences.

Technically speaking, gloss and sheen are two aspects of the same thing: The amount of light reflected off a painted surface independent of its color. But to the eye, they are very different: Gloss is shiny and crisp while sheen looks softer and has more depth and luster.

Gloss and sheen are measured by reflecting light off of specific angles. Gloss is measured at a 60-degree angle—meaning a beam of light is deflected from 60 degrees off a surface and back into a receptor. The receptor provides the number of gloss units, from 0 to 100. The closer the gloss units are to 100 units, the shinier—and glossier—the paint.

Sheen and gloss aren’t mutually exclusive. It’s important to know that some paints have a gloss value, some have a sheen value, and some have both. They also work together. For example, the differences of sheen on a surface are most noticeable in low-gloss paints. Knowing these values can increase confidence when selecting a paint for your project.

Here are tips for specifying a product’s gloss and sheen to ensure the end result meets client expectations.

Using a low gloss/sheen:  

• Low gloss and sheen will help to hide flaws—especially in interiors. This is ideal for walls prone to imperfections but too large to regularly maintain, such as hotel hallways that have heavy traffic.
• Consider low-gloss coatings when a space has plenty of natural light, such as retail shops. Gloss and light have a close relationship, and using high-gloss paint in an area with significant natural or artificial light could create a mirror-like effect and lead to excessive glare, while also revealing imperfections in the finished paint job.
• For areas that don’t need much attention, like ceilings and halls in schools or office buildings, a flat or very low gloss or sheen finish will work well.
• Low gloss is also popular due to recent advancements in technologies that allow flat finishes to be washable, making these coatings both design-forward and durable.  

Using higher gloss/sheen:

• If an area has significant traffic and needs to be cleaned often, higher-gloss/sheen paints are a good option. These products traditionally produce the toughest and most stain-resistant finishes, which is why they are common in high-traffic and high-profile areas like restaurants and hotel lobbies.
• High-gloss paints help provide a space with a perception of depth by contrasting finishes. To achieve a 3-D aesthetic, consider specifying a high-gloss coating on the trim in an area that has otherwise been painted with a low-lustre or flat finish coating, such as small office spaces.
• Consider gloss finishes as a tool to help accentuate architectural features. High-gloss finishes are increasingly popular for accentuating details in places like hotel lobbies, restaurants, and high-rises.

While products with higher gloss and/or sheen are generally easier to clean, paints with advanced coating technology provide great washability at all sheen levels.

Although there are standards for measuring gloss and sheen, descriptions for finishes and gloss levels often vary between manufacturers. Always start by selecting the right product for the job, and then determine the appropriate sheen or gloss level.

Sherwin-Williams offers products for any project application or performance expectation beyond broad formulations. For more information, visit s-w.com.

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